Banding apparatus

ABSTRACT

A banding apparatus for flexible bands or tape and comprising a clip having a passage therethrough to receive portions of lashing tape extending around an article to be lashed or banded and a tape dispensing and tightening device operative to effect movement of clip portions to engate a plurality of teeth on the clip into engagement with the tape portions to hold said tape or band portions against movement. The tape dispensing device has a tape compartment and means for mounting a roll of flexible lashing tape therein and a passage extending through the tape compartment and ratchet means mounted on the tape compartment for effecting retractive movement of a portion of the tape through the passage and into the tape compartment thereby moving the clip into engagement with the article to be lashed and setting the teeth in the tape portions.

[ 51 May 30, 1972 [54] BANDING APPARATUS Dory J. Neale, Sr., 3710 ShoreAcres Blvd., St. Petersburg, Fla. 33703 [22] Filed: June 25,1970 [21]Appl.No.: 49,594

[72] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. ..140/93.4, 24/ l6 PB, 24/DIG. 28,

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 35,756 2/1906 Switzerland ..24/35Primary Examiner-Lowell A. Larson Attorney-Fishbum, Gold and itman 57ABSTRACT A banding apparatus for flexible bands or tape and comprising aclip having a passage therethrough to receive portions of lashing tapeextending around an article to be lashed or banded and a tape dispensingand tightening device operative to efi'ect movement of clip portions toengate a plurality of teeth on the clip into engagement with the tapeportions to hold said tape or band portions against movement. The tapedispensing device has a tape compartment and means for mounting a rollof flexible lashing tape therein and a passage extending through thetape compartment and ratchet means mounted on the tape compartment foreffecting retractive movement of a portion of the tape through thepassage and into the tape compartment thereby moving the clip intoengagement with the article to be lashed and setting the teeth in thetape portions.

9Claims,8DrawlngFigures Patented May 30, 1972 3,665,979

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I NVENTOR.

Pory J. Neale, Sr Mm, M fi ATTORNEYS Patented May 30, 1972 2Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. BY Daryl Nee/6,51, W,fl

ATTORNEYS BANDING APPARATUS The present invention relates to lashingsystems and more particularly to a lashing system using flexible bandsof suitable material, for example, a plastic or nylon tape, and having aclip movable into engagement with an article to be lashed in response totightening movement of a portion of a lashing tape as effected by a tapetightening device thereby setting teeth on the clip into portions of thelashing tape extending therethrough.

Heretofore, it has been common in lashing operations to extend aplurality of metal wires or bands around articles to be lashed togetherwith metal clips laterally deformed to grip and join overlapping endportions of the banding members. It has been found that a flat tape of asuitable plastic, such as nylon, effects lashing and eliminates manydifficulties experienced with metal wire or tape. The plastic tape has asubstantial area of contact with the articles to be lashed therebydistributing the lashing force as there is no tendency to indent or cutthe articles to be lashed. The plastic tape is substantially inert, longwearing, and does not abrade the articles to be lashed in the event ofrelative movement therebetween, such as may occur during handling. Whilevarious fittings have been used to anchor or handle the wire lashing andmeta] straps, such devices are not suitable for use in applying andholding plastic tape. Also the plastic tape is flexible, substantiallynonextensible, and tends to return or straighten unless bent double,therefore, it has been difficult to secure and maintain in anchoredcondition.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a tape orband tightening and anchoring system usable with flexible band or tapefor lashing articles together, such as for banding packages, securingarticles to pallets, and the like; to provide such a tape lashing systemhaving a clip operative to firmly engage adjacent portions of suchflexible tape to prevent relative movement between the adjacent portionsthereof when tightened around articles to be lashed; to provide such atape lashing system including a tape dispensing device selectivelyoperative to retract a portion of the lashing tape; to provide such adevice and a clip on the tape whereby retracting the tape moves the clipinto engagement with the article to be lashed and further retractiontightens the tape and effects anchoring engagement of the clip into thetape; to provide such a tape lashing system having a tape dispenser withtightening mechanism operative to effect tension in the lashing tape anda clip operative to anchor portions of the lashing tape together therebymaintaining said portions in tension; and to provide such a tapetightening system which has a tape dispensing and tightening device andtape holding clips which are economical to manufacture, easily andefficiently operated for lashing articles, and particularly well adaptedfor the proposed use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and examplecertain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape dispensing and tightening deviceembodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view through the tape dispensing and tighteningdevice taken on the line through 2-2, FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the tape dispensing and tighteningdevice taken on a line 3-3, FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view through the tape dispensing andtightening device taken on the line 4-4, FIG. 2

The reference numeral 1 generally designates a tape dispensing andtightening device operative to move a portion of a flexible lashing tapeor band 2 to effect engagement between a holding clip 3 and an articleor articles 4 to be lashed thereby effecting locking engagement ofportions 5 on the clip 3 with portions of the lashing tape 2 extendingtherebetween. A suitable tape is a substantially flat tape of nylon orthe like of suitable width. It is found that for many banding operationsa tape width in the nature of one-fourth inch is suitable, however,wider tape maybe used for heavy duty banding.

The tape holding clip 3 is fonned or relatively hard bendable metal andpreferably is made from a blank 6, which, while in planar form, isstamped to provide cuts 7 of an irregular shape to form tape engagingmembers 8. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the members 8 are in the form ofteeth in opposed meshing rows. The cuts 7 are such that the total lengthof the opening 9 formed between the teeth extends transversely of theclip for a width greater than the width of the tape 2 with the ends 10of the opening spaced from the sides 11 of the clip. It has been foundthat a hard bendable metal member about three-eighths inch wide,one-fourth inch long, and 0.025 inch thick, is suitable for the blankfor one-fourth inch width tape. The opening 9 in such a blank ispreferably approximately nine thirtyseconds inch wide and equally spacedfrom the wide edges of the blank. The blank 6 is then bent whereby thebend extends through the rows of teeth with the mid-portions 12 curved,as at 13, and end portions of the clip form legs 14 extending from thecurved portion 13 in a generally U-shaped form. When bent to thisposition, the teeth or members 8 remain substantially in a line with therespective leg portion 14 so that the ends of the teeth are spacedapart, as at 15, providing an elongate opening through which the tape 2may be moved. The tape extends from a dispenser 1 through the opening 9between the legs 14 and then around an article or articles 4 to belashed, then back between the legs 14 and through the opening 9, theclip being such that when the tape is tightened the legs 14 of the clipare drawn against the article 16 being lashed to spread said legs apartand move the teeth 8 together to engage the tape portions extendingtherebetween to provide a positive grip between the clip and the tape,as later described.

The tape dispenser 1 has a housing 18 in which is located a compartment19 for receiving a roll 20 of the lashing tape 2. The housing has a sidewall 21 and a peripheral wall 22 defining an open-sided compartment 19,which open side is closed by a cover 23, as later described. A ratchetwheel 24 is rotatably mounted in the housing adjacent the side wall 21with a tape spool 25 extending therefrom toward the open side of thecompartment. The housing I8 has a handle member 26 extending therefromwith an upstanding ear 27, and the cover 23 has bifurated ears 28cooperating with said car 27 and with a pivot pin 29 extending throughsaid ears to pivotally mount the cover for movement toward and away fromthe open end of the compartment. When in closed position, the cover 23engages edges 30 of the peripheral wall 22. The cover is secured incompartment closing position by a suitable latch 31, and in theillustrated structure, the latch consists of a resilient latch memberthat engages over the housing remote from the pivot ears.

The housing 18 has elongate extension 32 extending therefrom in spacedrelation to the handle 26, said extension 32 having a slot or passage 34extending longitudinally therethrough and communicating with thecompartment 19, as at 35, forming an inlet to the slot that is thedispensing opening for the tape. At the entrance opening, as at 36,rounded wear members 37 of hard material are inserted in recesses andserve as contact points for the tape being dispensed, the roll of tapebeing arranged whereby the tape is fed from adjacent the handle 26 andthe slot is positioned relative thereto whereby there is a minimum ofbend in the tape as it is fed from the roll. Feeding of the tape fromthe roll is resisted by a pawl 38 pivotally mounted by a pin 39 on ears40 located on the wall 22. The pawl 38 has a portion extending through aslot 41 and terminating in a detent 42 for engaging with shoulders 48formed by ratchet teeth 44. A spring 45 urges the pawl detent 42 intoengagement with the ratchet so that tape can be dispensed only bydepressing a portion 46 remote from the detent of the pawl to swing thepawl detent out of engagement with the ratchet.

The peripheral wall 22 has an opening 47 between the extension 32 andthe handle 26. A ratchet lever 48 is pivotally mounted on the axle ofthe ratchet mounting and extends through the opening 47 in normallyspaced relation from the handle 26. The ratchet lever 48 is urged awayfrom the handle by a spring 49, the movement thereof being limited byengagement of the lever with the end of the opening 47 adjacent theextension 32. The lever is provided with a detent 50 pivotally mountedthereon and resiliently urged into engagement with the ratchet teethwhereby movement of the lever 48 toward the handle 26 effects rotationof the ratchet and the fell of tape tending to draw the tape back intothe compartment.

The slot 34 opens from the same side as the compartment and said openingis normally closed by a cover plate 51 which has slots 52 receiving pins53 mounted on the extension and having enlarged ends or members 54 tohold the plate in position. The slots 52 permit movement of the platetransversely of the slot or passage 34 to open same. Springs 55 urge theplate 51 to closed position, the movement being limited by the pins 53engaging the ends of the slots, as at 56.

A tape cutting device 58 is mounted on the extension 32, said tapecutting device including a blade 59 mounted on an arm 60 pivotallyconnected to the extension 32, said blade and arm being movable acrossthe slot or passage 34 at the end 61 of the extension to cut the tapeflush with said end. After cutting of the tape, the end of the tape ofthe roll is moved outwardly of the slot 34 by a feeding means 62 in theform of a slide member 63 arranged on the lower portion of the extension32 and having a resilient feed member 64 engaging the tape wherebymovement of the slide member 63 toward the end of the extension 32 willtend to move the tape out of the dispensing slot or passage 34 when thepawl detent 42 is disengaged from the rachet teeth 44.

In use, the pawl detent 42 is moved out of engagement with the teeth 44on the ratchet wheel 24 and the lashing tape 2 is then moved outwardlyfrom the tape compartment 14 through the slot or passage 34 by operatingthe slide member 63. After the end of the tape is exposed it is graspedand pulled while the detent 42 is disengaged from the ratchet teeth todispense the desired amount of tape. The lashing tape 2 is extendedthrough the opening 9 in a tape holding clip 3 and around the article 4to be lashed. The free end of the lashing tape 2 is then moved throughthe opening 9 in the clip 3 then moved into the passage 34. The portionadjacent the free end of the tape 2 engages the teeth of the adjacentleg and also the end of the dispenser extension 32 is held at the teethportion of the clip to aid in holding the free end of the tape to theclip as the other end is retracted. The clip 3 is positioned adjacent aflat or arcuate surface of the article 4 and the tape dispensing andtightening device 1 is operated to retract the lashing tape 2 in thepassage 34 and tighten said tape around the article 4. This retractingmovement is by operation of the ratchet lever 48 and the detent 50thereon. The retractive movement of the lashing tape 2 forces the freeends of the legs 12 of the clip 3 into engagement with the article 4thereby tending to separate the legs 12 which movement moves the teethor portions 8 into engagement with the adjacent portions of the lashingtape 2 extending through the clip 3. When the lashing tape 2 issufficiently tightened around the article 4 to be lashed and the teeth 8firmly engage the portions of the lashing tape 2, the blade 59 isoperated to cut the lashing tape 2 adjacent the free end 61 oftheextension 32.

When it is desired to lash the next article, the slide member 63 isoperated in combination with depressing the push portion 46 of the pawl38 thereby feeding the lashing tape 2 outwardly through the passage 34.The pawl 38 is maintained out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 24until a sufficient portion of the lashing tape 2 has been moved out ofthe tape compartment 19.

[t is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described onefon'n of my invention it is not to be limited to the specific forms orarrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A banding system for articles, in combination a. an elongate plastictape that is a substantially flat strip of flexible nylon andsubstantially nonextensible,

b. a clip having a central transverse bend and spaced legs forming agenerally U-shape with a transverse opening at said bend defined byopposed teeth members with said plastic tape adapted to extend throughsaid opening and aroung an article having side surfaces and then backthrough said clip opening, with said clip legs and article side surfacepressing tape portions therebetween, said opposed teeth membersintermeshing in response to spreading of said legs,

c. said clip legs being adapted to spread in response to tensioning thetape around the article and through the clip opening to engage the clipteeth with the tape to bite same and maintain the tension thereof aroundthe article.

2. A banding system as set forth in claim 1 and including,

a. a tape dispensing structure having a roll of tape from which the flattape extends through the clip opening and around articles and backthrough the clip opening,

b. means in said tape dispensing structure operative to retract the tapeand tension the tape around the article until anchored by said clip,

0. means operative to sever the tape between the clip and tapedispensing structure.

3. A tape dispensing and tightening device for banding articlescomprising:

a. a housing having tape compartment therein,

b. means within said tape compartment for mounting a roll of flexiblelashing tape therein,

c. a passage extending from the housing for movement of tapetherethrough,

(1. means operative to release the tape roll whereby tape is extendablefrom the housing passage,

e. means mounted on said housing and operative to effect retractivemovement of tape through said passage and into the tape compartment,

f. means movably mounted on said housing and extending into said passagefor engaging tape therein and operative to feed tape outwardly throughsaid passage.

4. The tape dispensing and tightening device as set forth in claim 3wherein said tape is dispensed and extended around articles for handingand including:

a. fastener means for engaging the tape adjacent articles around whichthe tape extends and holding the tension of the tape, said fastenercomprising a clip having folded portions defining spaced legs,

b. said clip having a passage therethrough for the lashing tape toextend therethrough, and

c. a plurality of teeth on adjacent ends of said spaced legs adapted tointermesh and to engage the lashing tape when the free ends of thespaced legs are forced apart by engagement with an article to be lashedin response to retractive movement of a portion of the tape.

5. The tape dispensing and tightening device as set forth in claim 3including:

a. means mounted on the housing adjacent an end of said passage andoperative for cutting the tape.

6. The tape dispensing and tightening device as set forth in claim 3including:

a. a passage cover movably mounted on said housing at one side of saidpassage, and

b. resilient means engaging said passage cover for urging same into aposition over the side of the passage thereby closing same to preventtape from moving laterally from said passage.

7. The tape dispensing and tightening device as set forth in claim 3including:

a. a handle on said housing and extending generally radially from thetape compartment,

b. a cover for said tape compartment, said compartment cover beingpivotally mounted adjacent said handle for swinging movement to opensaid tape compartment, said compartment cover having means thereon forengaging said housing remote from said handle to hold said cover in aclosed position over said tape compartment.

8. A tape dispensing and tightening system for banding ar ticlescomprising:

a. a housing having tape compartment defined by a side wall and aperipheral flange extending therefrom,

b. means within said tape compartment for mounting a roll of flexiblelashing tape therein,

c. an extension on said housing and having a passage extending throughsame from the tape compartment for movement of tape therethrough,

d. ratchet means mounted on said tape compartment for effectingretractive movement of tape through said passage and into the tapecompartment,

. means movably mounted on said housing extension and having a portionextending into said passage in engagement with the tape for feeding tapeoutwardly therethrough,

f. means mounted on said housing extension adjacent an end of saidpassage for cutting the tape after the desired amount of retractivemovement,

g. a passage cover movabiy mounted on said housing extension,

h. resilient means engaging said passage cover for urging same into aposition closing the passage through said extension,

i. a handle extending generally radially from said tape compartment,

j. a cover for said tape compartment, said compartment cover beingpivotally mounted on said handle, said com partment cover having meansthereon for engaging said housing remote from the handle to hold saidcover in a closed position,

cles comprising:

a. a housing having tape compartment therein,

b. means within said tape compartment for mounting a roll of flexiblelashing tape therein,

c. a passage extending from the housing for movement of tapetherethrough,

d. means operative to release the tape roll whereby tape is extendablefrom the housing passage,

e. means mounted on said housing and operative to effect retractivemovement of tape through said passage and into the tape compartment,

f. a handle on said housing and extending generally radially from thetape compartment,

g. a cover for said tape compartment, said compartment cover beingpivotally mounted adjacent said handle for swinging movement to opensaid tape compartment, said compartment cover having means thereon forengaging said housing remote from said handle to hold said cover in aclosed position over said tape compartment,

h. said housing having a side wall and peripheral flange defining thetape compartment,

i. said means operative to retract the tape including a ratchet wheelrotatably mounted on said side wall of said tape compartment and areciprocating lever and pawl for moving the ratchet wheel, j. said meansreleasing the tape roll including a second pawl pivoted on the housingand engagable with the ratchet wheel to prevent tape dispensing rotationthereof, k. the roll of flexible lashing tape being mounted on theratchet wheel and movable therewith, and l. resilient means engagingsaid reciprocating lever to urge said lever and pawl therein away fromthe handle.

1. A banding system for articles, in combination a. an elongate plastictape that is a substantially flat strip of flexible nylon andsubstantially nonextensible, b. a clip having a central transverse bendand spaced legs forming a generally U-shape with a transverse opening atsaid bend defined by opposed teeth members with said plastic tapeadapted to extend through said opening and aroung an article having sidesurfaces and then back through said clip opening, with said clip legsand article side surface pressing tape portions therebetween, saidopposed teeth members intermeshing in response to spreading of saidlegs, c. said clip legs being adapted to spread in response totensioning the tape around the article and through the clip opening toengage the clip teeth with the tape to bite same and maintain thetension thereof around the article.
 2. A banding system as set forth inclaim 1 and including, a. a tape dispensing structure having a roll oftape from which the flat tape extends through the clip opening andaround articles and back through the clip opening, b. means in said tapedispensing structure operative to retract the tape and tension the tapearound the article until anchored by said clip, c. means operative tosever the tape between the clip and tape dispensing structure.
 3. A tapedispensing and tightening device for banding articles comprising: a. ahousing having tape compartment therein, b. means within said tapeCompartment for mounting a roll of flexible lashing tape therein, c. apassage extending from the housing for movement of tape therethrough, d.means operative to release the tape roll whereby tape is extendable fromthe housing passage, e. means mounted on said housing and operative toeffect retractive movement of tape through said passage and into thetape compartment, f. means movably mounted on said housing and extendinginto said passage for engaging tape therein and operative to feed tapeoutwardly through said passage.
 4. The tape dispensing and tighteningdevice as set forth in claim 3 wherein said tape is dispensed andextended around articles for banding and including: a. fastener meansfor engaging the tape adjacent articles around which the tape extendsand holding the tension of the tape, said fastener comprising a cliphaving folded portions defining spaced legs, b. said clip having apassage therethrough for the lashing tape to extend therethrough, and c.a plurality of teeth on adjacent ends of said spaced legs adapted tointermesh and to engage the lashing tape when the free ends of thespaced legs are forced apart by engagement with an article to be lashedin response to retractive movement of a portion of the tape.
 5. The tapedispensing and tightening device as set forth in claim 3 including: a.means mounted on the housing adjacent an end of said passage andoperative for cutting the tape.
 6. The tape dispensing and tighteningdevice as set forth in claim 3 including: a. a passage cover movablymounted on said housing at one side of said passage, and b. resilientmeans engaging said passage cover for urging same into a position overthe side of the passage thereby closing same to prevent tape from movinglaterally from said passage.
 7. The tape dispensing and tighteningdevice as set forth in claim 3 including: a. a handle on said housingand extending generally radially from the tape compartment, b. a coverfor said tape compartment, said compartment cover being pivotallymounted adjacent said handle for swinging movement to open said tapecompartment, said compartment cover having means thereon for engagingsaid housing remote from said handle to hold said cover in a closedposition over said tape compartment.
 8. A tape dispensing and tighteningsystem for banding articles comprising: a. a housing having tapecompartment defined by a side wall and a peripheral flange extendingtherefrom, b. means within said tape compartment for mounting a roll offlexible lashing tape therein, c. an extension on said housing andhaving a passage extending through same from the tape compartment formovement of tape therethrough, d. ratchet means mounted on said tapecompartment for effecting retractive movement of tape through saidpassage and into the tape compartment, e. means movably mounted on saidhousing extension and having a portion extending into said passage inengagement with the tape for feeding tape outwardly therethrough, f.means mounted on said housing extension adjacent an end of said passagefor cutting the tape after the desired amount of retractive movement, g.a passage cover movably mounted on said housing extension, h. resilientmeans engaging said passage cover for urging same into a positionclosing the passage through said extension, i. a handle extendinggenerally radially from said tape compartment, j. a cover for said tapecompartment, said compartment cover being pivotally mounted on saidhandle, said compartment cover having means thereon for engaging saidhousing remote from the handle to hold said cover in a closed position,k. a clip having folded portions defining spaced legs, l. a passagethrough said clip for the lashing tape to extend therethrough, and m. aplurality of teeth on adjacent ends of said spaced legs to engage thetape when the free ends of the spaced legs are forced apart bYengagement with an article to be lashed in response to retractivemovement of a portion of the tape.
 9. A tape dispensing and tighteningdevice for banding articles comprising: a. a housing having tapecompartment therein, b. means within said tape compartment for mountinga roll of flexible lashing tape therein, c. a passage extending from thehousing for movement of tape therethrough, d. means operative to releasethe tape roll whereby tape is extendable from the housing passage, e.means mounted on said housing and operative to effect retractivemovement of tape through said passage and into the tape compartment, f.a handle on said housing and extending generally radially from the tapecompartment, g. a cover for said tape compartment, said compartmentcover being pivotally mounted adjacent said handle for swinging movementto open said tape compartment, said compartment cover having meansthereon for engaging said housing remote from said handle to hold saidcover in a closed position over said tape compartment, h. said housinghaving a side wall and peripheral flange defining the tape compartment,i. said means operative to retract the tape including a ratchet wheelrotatably mounted on said side wall of said tape compartment and areciprocating lever and pawl for moving the ratchet wheel, j. said meansreleasing the tape roll including a second pawl pivoted on the housingand engagable with the ratchet wheel to prevent tape dispensing rotationthereof, k. the roll of flexible lashing tape being mounted on theratchet wheel and movable therewith, and l. resilient means engagingsaid reciprocating lever to urge said lever and pawl therein away fromthe handle.